For the most part the season has come to an end. As with
each season we experience highs and lows. It is in those difficult times
that we realize who is a genuine friend. I am thankful for the friends that
have helped us through this past racing season. Greetings in the name of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let me ask a question; are we genuine or imitation? Many times
people say the right things, act the right way and fool us into thinking
they really care for us. When in fact they are only motivated by what is in
it for them. It is difficult to recognize a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I
wonder if we have fallen into the trap of Hollywood , making things appear
to be something they are not and have fooled those around us.

I am pleased that for the most part the teams and officials we
travel with are genuine and real. The racing family is made up of some
pretty unique people, the kind you won’t find just anywhere. For the most
part, aside from the creative rule interpretation, racers are genuine;
actual, real, true: not false or fake; sincere and honest. That doesn’t mean
we will always agree, but you will always know where someone stands.

They feel for one another and care about each other, not only on
the track but away from the track as well. I see this in their actions when
the racing family has difficult times and needs support and encouragement to
make it through; they are there; genuine friends to help in a time of need.
I am reminded of a story in the Bible about some friends who demonstrated
this.

Mark 2:1-12; A few days
later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum , the people heard that he had
come home.
So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and
he preached the word to them.
Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since
they could not get him to Jesus
because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and,
after digging through it,
lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith,
he said to the paralytic,
"Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting
there, thinking to themselves,
"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins
but God alone?"
Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking
in their hearts, and he said to them,
"Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the
paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say,
`Get up, take your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man
has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ."
He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."
He got up, took his mat and walked out in
full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying,
"We have never seen anything like this!"

Take a look at what these friends were
willing to do; they knew their friend needed help. They also knew that Jesus
was the one who could help. They carried their friend to Jesus. Regardless
of what it cost them personally or financially they wanted their friend to
get what he needed.

Jesus, seeing the faith of the man and his friends forgave his
sins. That wasn’t good enough for those who were watching though. They
challenged Jesus about his authority to forgive. Jesus responded in a way
that left no doubt, Get up and walk and the crippled man stood up and
walked.

Let’s take a closer look at the scene. Jesus was visiting this town
and so many people wanted to see him they crowded into the room and left no
room. When someone was brought to Jesus that had a true need they were
unable to get to him because of the crowd. So his friends did what ever they
could to get him there. They cut a hole in the roof. Who were the genuine
friends?

Many times in life we are so focused on what we want we fail to
look around and see what others need. Genuine friends are sensitive to the
needs of others. Not only that but they are willing to set aside their own
lives to help provide for a friend in need. Which one are we? Are we the
crowd that obstructs others from finding Jesus or are we the ones who, at
all cost, will carry those in need to Jesus?

Take time to reflect on this past racing season and determine if
your actions brought people to Jesus or kept them away. We are called to be
the light that shows the way to Jesus, have we been lighting the proper
path? Are we genuine or imitation?

Isaiah 40:3-5;
Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the
wilderness for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the
valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of
the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!”

THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD

WORLD DIRT FINALS - We face choices
many times in life and one of the difficult choices I face many times is,
where do I need to be. This year the World Dirt Finals and the North-South
Shootout fall on the same weekend. I want to thank MRO for stepping up and
covering the North-South Shootout and freeing me up to serve the World
Racing Group. If you are down in Charlotte stop by and say hello.

MOTORSPORTS 2014 - We are putting plans together for our
display in January. I am excited to say that things are coming together and
we should have several great cars and drivers for you to interact with. We
look forward to seeing you there.
Until next time, be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals
and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at
http://www.rwjm.com/store. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter
what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. Remember that
God loves you, we love you and